As Night Falls

  “Empathy is the flaw in your logic.” (Styx, monarch of the Bathory dynasty) Founder: Voivode Vlad Tepes Monarch: Styx Archetypes : Philosophers, generals and scientists From the hallowed halls of academia, to the clinical laboratories of  research institutes and think tanks, vampires of the Tepes dynasty hunt using their clinical analysis and methodical planning. By the time their prey know they are being hunted, it is too late. Cold, logical and brilliant, the Tepes dynasty believes in control of oneself, of others, and of the world. They are scholars, scientists and strategists, valuing reason over impulse – monsters with minds like icy razor blades. The Tepes dynasty is aligned with the de Morieve and Orlock dynasties, but are opposed to the Bathory and Lilith dynasties.

  “We don't hunt alone. We're a pack; silent, patient, watching from the dark. You don't see us, until it's too late.” (Pandora Rosewood, monarch of the Orlock dynasty) Founder: Count Orlock Monarch: Pandora Rosewood Archetypes : Hunters, predators and killers. From the deepest forests to darkest alleyways, vampires of the Orlock dynasty are brutal killers that delight in the joy of the hunt. The Orlock dynasty is raw, instinctive and fearsome. Vampires of this dynasty embrace their predatory nature, honing their bodies and senses for the hunt. They are ruthless, direct and unashamed of what they are; true hunters among predators. The Orlock dynasty is aligned with the Lilith and Tepes dynasties, but are opposed to the Bathory and de Morieve dynasties.  

“A promise whispered at the right moment binds tighter than any chain.” (Isabella Ravingham, monarch of the Bathory dynasty) Founder: Countess Elizabeth Bathory Monarch: Isabella Ravingham Archetypes: courtesans, companions and femme fatales From gilded ballrooms to exclusive nightclubs, vampires of the Bathory dynasty hunt using their charm and beauty to entrance their prey and bring them to their knees. The Bathory are decadent, elegant and ruthlessly charismatic. They thrive on charm and persuasion, and are often at the centre of lavish gatherings or whispered deals. Masters of emotional manipulation, a Bathory will disarm opponents with their grace, before a well-placed strike with a smile seals their victim’s fate. The Bathory dynasty is aligned with the de Morieve and Lilith dynasties, but are opposed to the Orlock and Tepes dynasties.  

There are currently five vampire dynasties that form the Cabal in As Night Falls: The enchanting Bathory. The authoritarian de Morieve. The primal Orlock. The rebellious Lilith. The intellectual Tepes. The dynasties are ideological, based on the different hunting practices of vampires. For example, a vampire of the Bathory dynasty hunts using their beauty and charisma, whilst a member of the Orlock dynasty is a savage predator. Leading each of the dynasties is a monarch, a title that is passed down from monarch to their appointed heir. Becoming the heir is a vicious struggle, as competition is fierce and an heir cannot be certain who is their ally and who may be plotting their downfall. Also, it is not unknown for a monarch to replace a nominated heir with another, should they be found wanting. Although the change - the process of a human becoming a vampire - is the same for all vampires, each dynasty approaches it in a different way. The Orlocks seek those that are ...

The Cabal is an ancient conspiracy of silence that governs the undead lives of vampires to ensure the veil of secrecy is preserved. Vampires are typically loners by nature. People, however, are generally not. Humanity’s ability form communities, communicating with others around the world and sharing their knowledge, is a threat to all vampires. In order to remain hidden from humanity’s gaze, a loose network was created. Although most vampires live by their own standards, it was mutually agreed that certain rules should be enforced to ensure vampires never reveal the secrets of their existence. These rules became known as the four cardinals of the Cabal: Never reveal vampires exist.   Never refuse the will of the Cabal. N ever enter another vampire’s territory. Never kill another vampire. The Cabal is regional, with each country having its own communion. In the UK, the Cabal is led by the five monarchs of the vampire dynasties. Supporting the Cabal is the seneschal, an in...